Headliners; Out, on a Judgment Error

Published: April 12, 1987

Al Campanis of the Los Angeles Dodgers was caught leaning the wrong way last week. Mr. Campanis, who is in charge of player personnel, resigned under pressure after saying on television that blacks might not be qualified to be baseball managers or executives. Appearing on an ABC News ''Nightline'' program that observed the 40th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's debut as the first black major leaguer, Mr. Campanis was asked why the major leagues had no black managers. He replied, ''I truly believe they may not have some of the necessities.''

Two days later, Peter O'Malley, the Dodger's owner, said the remarks were ''so far removed from what the organization believes that it is impossible for Al to continue.''